Which tool should be used to trace the route of a Cat 6 UTP cable?

To trace the route of a Cat 6 UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable, a tone probe is the most suitable tool. A tone probe is used in conjunction with a tone generator, which sends a specific signal through the cable. The tone probe allows the technician to follow that signal along the cable's path, making it possible to identify where the cable runs, especially in walls or ceilings where the cable may be hidden. Using the probe, a user can listen for the tone emitted by the cable and thus trace its route accurately.

Other tools have different purposes and would not effectively serve this particular need. A cable tester is designed to check for cable faults or to verify the integrity of the cable connections, rather than to trace where the cable runs. A signal generator is primarily used to create signals for testing purposes, but it does not provide a means for tracing physical cables. A wire stripper, meanwhile, is strictly a tool for preparing cables for connections by removing insulation, and it does not assist with tracing at all.